Rejoice in the Rain

…Rejoice in the Lord your God, for He has given you the autumn rains because He is faithful. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains as before. – (Joel 2:23, NIV)

…Be joyful in the Lord your God. He is good and will give you rain. He will send the early rains and the late rains as before. – (Joel 2:23, ERV)

…Shout with joy and happiness in the Eternal, your God; the drought is over; He has sent the early autumn rain as a sign of His faithfulness. He has poured down heavy rain, autumn and spring as before. – (Joel 2:23, VOICE)

After a blustery weekend, it is good to be reminded that the rains are actually evidence of God’s faithfulness. I know in our area, the rains were needed as our reservoirs have dropped quite low after an unusually warm and dry summer. Though I prefer sunny days, it is good to see the grass turning green again as the leaves show off their lovely fall transformation. So often what we need is not necessarily what we think we want. However, God knows. He has His very best in mind for us. Often our circumstances, schedules and pauses are exactly what we need to grow and thrive as He intended. May we ever embrace the rains that come, and rejoice in the faithfulness of our Heavenly Father.

May we choose rejoice,

No matter what comes;

For after the rain,

Again comes the sun.

All has a purpose,

To nourish and grow;

God shows faithfulness,

Makes His goodness known.

In rainy seasons,

Choose soak in His love;

He replenishes,

Leads our hearts above.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your goodness and grace. Thank You that You bring various seasons to nourish and soften the soil of our hearts. Thank You that all can be used for good as we place it in Your hands. Forgive us for our frustration and grumbling with the seemingly dreary days. Show us the beauty that comes from the darker days. Lead us to love those around us well, so that the goodness of Your love is evident to all. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise Your for the growth and new life that comes from the rainy days and for the strength and new growth that You place in us. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Rejoice always. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16

Respond and Be Transformed

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. – (James 1:22, NIV) 

Do what God’s teaching says; don’t just listen and do nothing. When you only sit and listen, you are fooling yourselves. – (James 1:22, ERV) 

Don’t just listen to the Word of Truth and not respond to it, for that is the essence of self-deception. So always let His Word become like poetry written and fulfilled by your life! – (James 1:22, TPT) 

We are called to listen and act upon the Word of God. He gives us instructions as to how to live our lives according to His will. What good does it do if we hear the words, yet choose to do nothing about it? The only way that we can truly become who we were created to be, is if we listen, learn, and act upon all that God is calling us to become. Our transformation is an ongoing process that comes through reading, hearing, and obeying that which is asked of us to love God and love people well. The more we know and understand, the better equipped we are to move forward in the goodness and grace that God has granted, so that we may live out our days as He intended. May we ever seek the Lord and spend time in His word, listening and acting upon what He calls us to do. Our salvation is not earned, but our transformation takes work and a heart willing to obey His word. 

Don’t merely listen, 

To God’s holy word; 

But choose to respond, 

To all that is heard. 

Through love and His grace, 

He opens our eyes; 

To the way to live, 

True love realized. 

For as we allow, 

All that the Lord says; 

To transform our hearts, 

The more we show His. 

Lord, help us listen, 

And respond in love; 

To all You’re asking, 

So we may become. 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to not only listen to You and Your Word, but You ask us to respond and allow Your words to transform our hearts, minds and actions. Thank You that as we seek and respond to You, You change our hearts to reflect Yours. Forgive us for the times that we have listened and heard Your heart, but chose not to respond and act upon all that You were asking. Teach us to trust You more, so that all that we do and say may shine Your light of love each day. Show us how to best love those around us in the ways You are calling us to love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we listen and act upon all You are asking, so that we do not deceive ourselves, but live in truth and light and love. Amen. 

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. – John 13:34 

Peace With All People

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. – (Romans 12:18, NIV)

Do the best you can to live in peace with everyone. – (Romans 12:18, ERV)

Don’t quarrel with anyone. Be at peace with everyone, just as much as possible. – (Romans 12:18, TLB)

 

Peace is a most pleasant space to dwell. As we release the right to retaliate in our own moments of hurt or frustration and give it to God, peace enters in. God calls us to react in the opposite spirit of those who come against us, as so often a simple extension of kindness in a person’s moment of ugly, can diffuse the heat that is driving the acting out, and bring change. The evidence of transformation is the peace that becomes present in the process. If we love as we are called to love, peace is one of the clear indicators that His Spirit is producing fruit in and through our lives. Peace, patience, gentleness, faithfulness, kindness, goodness, and self-control, all are grown and shown as we seek to love according to God’s call. May we do our best to live at peace with everyone, depending on Christ to equip us to love as He loves.

Mom is doing well. When we spoke last evening, much of our conversation was reminiscing about my boys, as they are now six days away from their eighteenth birthday. It was sweet to remember the series of events leading up to their arrival, and the weeks that followed. What amazed me, was that Mom wasn’t really word searching at all. She just spoke with joy and pride, as she remembered her grandsons. Mom is one of the people in my life who has modeled how to be at peace with everyone, in as much as it is possible. Wherever she goes, she is kind and people want to be near her. God’s goodness and grace shine from the inside out, and His light in her draws people in.

 

Let the peace of Christ,

Come and fill our hearts;

So we may go forth,

And know where to start.

As we come know peace,

We too can learn share;

A love that gives grace,

For He hears our prayers.

Wherever we can,

May we offer peace;

God’s love extended,

Gives unrest release.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to live at peace with everyone. Thank You that You do not stop there, but rather You give us specific directives to bless and rejoice, give and to love, and to not repay evil nor take revenge. Forgive us for the times that we have worried more about being right that doing right. Teach us to listen to Your leading in all things and at all times. Show us how to live at peace with everyone around us through living out a life of loving like You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You, Lord. Be glorified O God, as we trust You to show us how to live at peace with those around us. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace. – Psalm 29:11

Clothed with His Character

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. – (Colossians 3:12, NIV) 

God has chosen you and made you His holy people. He loves you. So, your new life should be like this: Show mercy to others. Be kind, humble, gentle and patient. – (Colossians 3:12, ERV) 

You are always and dearly loved by God! So, robe yourself with virtues of God, since you have been divinely chosen to be holy. Be merciful as you endeavor to understand others, and be compassionate, showing kindness toward all. Be gentle and humble, unoffendable in your patience with others. – (Colossians 3:12, TPT) 

 

When we know God, we are called and chosen to walk in His ways. This past week, I have been intentional to pray for specific students before the school day has even begun. What I have observed this week, has been a shift in a few individuals who were my most difficult. Two eighth grade boys have caused much struggle and strife this semester. For the first time in a long while, they were calm and attempting to actually work on the projects that have been assigned. Each one was given room to enter and settle, allowing them to get set in their space. Once students are set and working, I have sought to be compassionate and gentle in my approach. With one, I gather the materials needed for the day’s project and set them before him, extending my availability to answer questions or provide help if needed. For him, it seemed to make a way to focus and complete work. With the other, I have likewise chosen compassion, and simply asked what project he would like to work to complete each day. He too has been calm and attempting to work, rather than sitting idly by on his phone. Though I was gentle and kind previously, a slight shift in my approach seems to have been met with a shift in them as well. There are still others in that class that are “acting a fool”, but the simple transformation in the two is an example of my prayers heard and answered. May we ever seek the Lord to be our Source and Supply, allowing Him to clothe us in compassion, kindness, gentleness, patience and humility, keeping us from becoming offended by the actions of others. 

 

Because we are loved,

We also are called; 

To be the Lord’s light, 

For one and for all. 

Called to compassion, 

Equipped to give grace; 

Kindness and patience, 

Granted in our space. 

With a humble heart, 

Let no one’s offense; 

Deter us from love, 

His grace is immense. 

So, be clothed in love, 

That chooses extend; 

The heart of our God, 

On Whom we depend. 

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You hear our prayers and equip us to carry out all to which we are called. Forgive us for our frustration when we cannot see the change You are making. Teach us to trust and rely on You more, as Your love covers all. Show us how to love those around us, especially those who are most challenging to love. Grant us Your eyes to see them, and Your heart to extend kindness and grace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we rely on You to supply us with kindness, patience, humility and love for all whom we encounter. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in Your providence watched over my spirit. – Job 10:12

Intentionally and Purposefully Designed

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. – (Ephesians 2:10)

Each one of us has been intentionally and purposefully designed.  The gifts and talents that God gives to us, individually, are intended to be used for His glory.  As we live, love, work and play as the people whom God created us to be, we cannot help but have an impact on the world around us.  Lives are changed as Christ’s purpose for our path is walked out.  May we recognize the transformation that takes place in us and through us as we go forth in obedience, and do what we’ve been created to do.

Made with a purpose,

Hand-crafted by grace;

With work to be done,

While home is this place.

Each one granted gifts,

In love, the Lord chose;

To place within us,

Works that show He rose.

As He came to life,

Walked out of the grave;

He gives His Spirit,

So lives may be saved.

For some it’s to teach,

And others to serve;

All are called to love,

Give what’s not deserved.

We have been given,

Christ’s love and His grace;

To answer His call,

For all of our days.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that each one of us is Your handiwork, created in Christ to do good works that You prepared for us to do.  Thank You that You give good gifts that are meant to be shared, so that the body may benefit from the beauty that You place in Your beloved.  Thank You that You love all, no matter where we have been, and embrace us and welcome us with Your goodness and grace.  Forgive us for not utilizing the gifts that You have placed in us, or for sitting idly by, when we are called to go forth.  Teach us to trust You more, so that we may go forth boldly wherever You call, and above all, love as You have loved us.  May many come into a saving relationship with You.  Be glorified O God, as we do the good that You have prepared for us.  Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

May God Almighty grant you mercy. – Genesis 43:14

Hidden No More

Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in Him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” – (John 4:39)

 

This verse from the often told story of the woman at the well, struck me anew this morning. Not only was she powerfully impacted by her encounter personally, but she found a new boldness where she had previously remained hidden, and that boldness in stepping out to speak of what she had experienced compelled many from her town to go and see Jesus for themselves. She was so dramatically different, that those who had shunned her, gave ear to her words. What a powerful testimony indeed! God used her transformation to tell others of Christ’s goodness and grace. Imagine the interactions at the well after the town’s two days with Jesus!

 

In isolation,

alone and afraid;

there is a Savior,

Who will come your way.

He’ll always draw near,

no matter your past;

He’ll wash you anew,

grant peace that will last.

The Granter of hope,

the Giver of grace;

Restorer of life,

He’s present always.

All that is hidden,

is already known;

He’ll use it for good,

story of your own.

The glorious thing,

as you choose to share;

others will seek Him,

trade hope for despair.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we seek You and allow You to move in our lives, You do a deep transformational work that others can see. Thank You that even the ugliest part of our past can become the most triumphant part of our testimony, by You grace. Thank You that when others see change in us, they want to know why. Forgive us for not being quick to answer, or for not always modeling the internal transformation that has taken place. Teach us to trust You in the transformation, and grant us strength to stand strong in all things and at all times so that Your will be done. Help us to love as You love us, and may many come to seek You as a result. Let the lost be found, and testimonies of transformations abound. Be glorified as we go forth boldly as You have made us to do. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. – Psalm 145:8

Press On to the Goal

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. – (Philippians 3:12, NIV)

 

I don’t mean that I am exactly what God wants me to be. I have not yet reached that goal. But I continue trying to reach it and make it mine. That’s what Christ Jesus wants me to do. It is the reason He made me His. – (Philippians 3:12, ERV)

 

We are all a work in progress. It is our choice to either remain stagnant and refuse to move forward, or we can press on, in spite of ourselves, trusting God is who He says He is, and that He will do what He says He will do – allowing Him to change us from the inside out. Christ does not call us to a life that is standing still, stuck in the pain of our past, but rather He calls us to take His hand and allow Him to lead us into so much more with Him. From the moment we choose Christ, we are His new creation. Our total transformation transpires as we choose to trust Him with more of our heart and life. May we surrender all unto You, as we press on to take hold of all that You have for us.

 

I have not arrived,

I am not there yet;

but I am closer,

than I thought I’d get.

For each choice I make,

to further trust Him;

He’s faithful to show,

it’s worth pressing in.

We’re each created,

with purpose in mind;

if we choose seek Him,

the answers we’ll find.

We must keep seeking,

in faith, choose to move;

transformed in likeness,

pressing on in truth.

We surrender all,

unto You, O God;

make us like You, Lord,

light our path to trod.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that in You, we are in the process of being made more like You. Thank You that You take hold of the hearts of all who believe, and willingly transform us as we submit ourselves unto You. Thank You that You do not grow weary of our imperfections, and You embrace us where we are. Thank You that You love us beyond what we can see, and draw us out of our limited foresight for ourselves. Forgive us for staying stagnant in our stuff, fearing that our junk could somehow disqualify us from being used by You. Thank You that You often use the places that appear to be the most broken or devastated, to bring the most beauty. Thank You that You have a plan and a purpose for each and every one of us, Your created. May we press on to take hold of that which You are calling us to, and may many come to know You as we walk out our purpose in love. Be glorified, O God, as we press on toward the goal, held in our heavenly home. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. – Psalm 145:8

 

 

 

The Glory of God’s Grace

The grace of God has the power to take the most sinful of mankind, cleanse us from all that we have ever done, and use us for His glory, to touch lives and transform communities. Paul was a perfect example of God’s generous grace. Prior to his transformation, Paul persecuted people who followed Christ. He purposefully pursued them, and sought to punish, all who were a part of “The Way”. However, once Paul had a personal encounter with Christ, he was transformed. All the passion he had placed into pursuing the punishment of Christians, he then spent on spreading the gospel of truth.

 

“For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them – yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.” – (I Corinthians 15:9-10)

 

Paul recognized all that he had been forgiven, and was a very humble man. That being said, he also recognized the power of God’s grace working in and through him, and did not negate the precious power of the Lord. Paul did not see himself as worthless, but rather recognized that his value was found through his redemption, and by the grace of God, he had purpose and was pursuing its fulfillment with his whole heart.

 

Regardless of past,

His grace is enough;

to wipe away sin,

cover each of us.

He grants us fresh start,

empowered by grace;

walks beside us still,

for all of our days.

His power given,

to all who receive;

what He is granting,

to trust and believe.

Rise up in power,

for He has erased;

the sins of our past,

God’s love fills that space.

Know that He’s working,

in our hearts and minds;

trust He will use us,

to serve all mankind.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You love us so much that You forgive ALL of us, regardless of what we have done, if we come to You and confess that we need You, and believe that You are the only way. Thank You that Your grace is enough, even for the worst of us. Thank You that You use ALL who are willing and available, for Your glory. Forgive us for thinking that we are not good enough, or that Your grace is somehow not enough to cover us. Teach us to embrace the grace that You provide, and lead us to follow You all of our days. Help us to hear You clearly, and obey readily. May many come to know You as the Savior of their lives, and may they too, embrace the grace that You alone provide. Be glorified through how we love those around us, just as You love us. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.

– 2 Corinthians 3:5

 

Reflecting God’s Glory

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.  And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” – (2 Corinthians 3:17-18 – NIV)

“We’re free of it!  All of us!  Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of His face.  And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become more like Him.” – (2 Corinthians 3:17-18 – The Message)

Where the Spirit rests,

image by Bronlynn

true freedom is found;

no longer a veil,

the wall’s been torn down.

The more that we seek,

the more we shall find.

True transformation –

of heart, soul, and mind.

Reflecting glory,

grows brighter each day,

give Him our whole heart,

as we live, love and pray.

Let our lives burn bright,

showing God’s glory.

May His heart be heard,

as we share our story.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that true freedom is found in You.  Thank You that as we walk with You and our relationship deepens, we more clearly reflect who You are to those around us.  Forgive us for discounting Your ability to use us as You see fit, even when we cannot see ourselves from Your perspective.  Help us to remember that You are the author of our story, so we are indeed meant to use it for Your glory.  Lead us to live and love as bright beams of light for You.  May many come to find true freedom through the forgiveness You freely offer to all who ask.  All honor and glory to You.  Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present